LUSK- With his insatiable desire of history and incredible talent for speaking with a Scottish brogue, Kaden Gaukel gave a “modified Freedom” speech receiving a standing ovation, igniting a fire in the hearts of his fellow classmates, and clinching his unanimous victory for governor of the 2017 Wyoming TeenPact Legislative class.  

Kaden’s family has been involved with TeenPact since 2011, with both of his sisters, Kaitlin and Kylee, being graduates of the program.  Kaden completed an extensive amount of research for numerous assignments before leaving for the capital. Such assignments included: writing letters to his representative and senators, writing a bill on a topic relevant to Wyoming, completing a political fact sheet for Wyoming, reviewing Governor Mead’s state address for class discussion, completing a constitutional analysis on 3 out of the first 10 amendments, analyzing a house bill, and memorizing relevant scripture.

Once he reached Cheyenne, he was immersed into a world of politics, learning how a bill becomes law, being elected a committee chair, participating in TeenPact Legislature, speaking to lobbyists, and conducting prayer walks around the capital.  One of the most experiential activities was that of the elections. The students were divided into three parties the Freedom Party, the Worker Party, the Agrarian Party. Kaden was a member of the Freedom Party. 

Even though the days were filled with intense learning experiences, quizzes, and tests to earn a Civics credit, the students did enjoy some evening down time as well. They relaxed each night playing ultimate frisbee before enjoying delicious dinners.  The students also shared edifying praise and worship time and challenging messages each night from Guest Director, Bob Chambers

After an exciting week, the youth participated in a very memorable graduation ceremony.  Kaden received another standing ovation as he gave his gubernatorial acceptance speech. TeenPact supporter, Secretary of State Ed Murray, presented the diplomas and gave each graduate a special 21St Wyoming Secretary of State commemorative pin.  

Kaden would like to thank Mrs. Lowry, past Wyoming class coordinator, and Mr. and Mrs. Silvey, the current Wyoming coordinators, for all their mentorship throughout the last 5 years.  The very first Wyoming TeenPact Governor pin was such a special gift to receive. Gaukel stated, “TeenPact has given me the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our country’s political process and my role and responsibilities as United States citizen.  It’s challenged me with developing my leadership skills as well.  Kaden is preparing to travel to our state’s capital next week to participate in his final TeenPact Legislative experience.  He will be responsible for swearing in the newly elected governor and assisting as a staff volunteer. 

TeenPact Leadership School’s CEO, Peter Martin, stated, “TeenPact is a dynamic, hands-on leadership school for Christian students.  Our mission is to train youth to understand the political process, value their liberty, defend their Christian faith, and engage the culture at a time in their lives when, typically, they do not care about such things”.  He went on to describe the TeenPact experience as, “one of intentional growth, education, and encouragement.  We believe that God gives every young person a great spiritual capacity as well as a scriptural mandate to cultivate and use their talents-even before they are old enough to drive, work, or vote!”  TeenPact trains these young people to embrace their call as the next generation of leaders by giving them tools, teaching, and opportunities”.  Mr. Martin continues to describe TeenPact by noting that, “We teach students that every Christian must pray and vote according to Biblical principles, whether you choose to go into politics or not.  The Biblical principles taught at a TeenPact class can be applied broadly, regardless of your future vocation.  We have a need for godly, powerful communication within any arena and our goal is to train up a generation of young people to fill that need-today. ‘Changing lives to change the world’ is more than a motto to us.  It’s literally what we do every day”.

Each TeenPact program is marked by spiritual discipleship, student leadership, parental involvement, and a commitment to excellence.  Found in 1994 by Tim Echols, TeenPact currently offers classes in 41 states.